AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She walks into the back, leaving me alone at the register.
I find myself staring at my phone again. Today seems like as good a day as any to send that text. My fingers finally start to dance across the screen, composing the message to Eric.
Me
I’d love too.
Just as I hit send, the café door chimes once more, and a wave of new customers stream in, breaking my focus.
Sighing, I put my phone back in my apron pocket, turning my attention to the customers lining up at the counter. The door chimes again and I look up and lock eyes with the man I was just thinking about. A jolt of energy runs through my body, and I take a deep breath.
Chill, Hailey, chill.
His turn to order finally comes, and he approaches the counter. “Hi, Hailey! How are you doing?” he asks with a smile. “It looks very busy this morning.”
I straighten my posture and chuckle. “Yeah, it’s been a very busy morning.”
He crosses his arms and I can’t help but notice he cut his hair, less shaggy and more short sides and longer on the top.
“Could I order a coffee again with a muffin?” he asks, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Of course,” I reply, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Black like last time, right?”
He leans in a little closer. “You’ve got an excellent memory.” His wink sends a delightful shiver down my spine.
“To go or for here?” I ask.
His gaze lingers on mine for a moment, and then he answers, his voice lower and more seductive, “Oh, umm, could I get it to go? I have a goodbye party later tonight for my friend Zack, and I need to help prepare the house for him.”
I nod, stepping gracefully around the counter. My movements are deliberate, and I can’t help but add a touch of allure as I pour his coffee into a to-go cup, expertly securing the lid. Placing the cup and muffin on the counter, I ring up his order.
Before I can announce the total, he surprises me by handing over a twenty-dollar bill with a sly grin. “Keep the change,” he says, his voice dipped in suggestion. “I’ll see you later?”
I nod, and he turns and walks out the door.
“Well, that was quick,” Scarlett says as she walks up behind me.
“Are you ever going to stop sneaking up on me like that?” I ask.
“No. Also, did I hear him say Zack?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Because my Zack has the same party; he’s moving out of town.”
I look at her with eyes wide, “So they do know each other. I thought I saw him in pictures of the party last weekend.”
“Looks like you are definitely going to a party with me this time. Now, finish up what you’re doing. We have inventory to do, girly!”
Scarlett walks away, taking her gloves off and heading into the kitchen.
I might as well go to the party. There’s only so many excuses I can use and I’m excited by the idea of seeing Eric again.
* * *
The day has been busy,but the busier we are, the faster the time goes by. Fridays are always crazy, though I’m not sure if it’s because of Scarlett’s freebie-muffin Friday or because the weekend is right around the corner. Probably a mix of both.
I feel a buzz from my pocket and pull out my phone. Then my heart drops to the pit of my stomach. I could almost puke.
